7.2.1 Naturalistic and Controlled Observation

• What is naturalistic observation?

  Observation of behavior in natural environments
• How do psychologists conduct naturalistic observation?

  By observing without any intervention
• What is reactivity in the context of naturalistic observation?

  People change behavior if they know they're observed
• How does controlled observation differ from naturalistic observation?

  Controlled observation occurs in structured settings
• What is a characteristic of controlled observation?

  It occurs in a controlled environment
• What is controlled observation?

  A structured setting for studying behavior
• How can distractions affect behavior in naturalistic observation?

  They can interfere with study behavior
• Why is a controlled environment important in controlled observation?

  It allows for consistent and reliable observations
• What do researchers manipulate in controlled observation?

  Specific factors affecting behavior
• How does reactivity affect the results of naturalistic observation?

  It can lead to inaccurate data collection
• What are the key characteristics of naturalistic observation?

  • Observes behavior in natural environments
  • No intervention by the observer
  • Captures authentic behavior
• Why is controlled observation often used in situations where it would be unethical to manipulate variables?

  Controlled observation is used when it would be unethical to manipulate variables, as it allows researchers to observe participants in their natural environment without interfering.
• What are the key differences between naturalistic and controlled observation in psychology research?

  • Naturalistic Observation:
  • Conducted in natural settings
  • Researcher does not intervene
  • Example: Jane Goodall's study of chimpanzees

  
  

  • Controlled Observation:
  • Conducted in a lab setting
  • Researcher manipulates variables
  • Example: Milgram's obedience experiment
• What is a characteristic of naturalistic observation regarding the environment?

  Observations take place in the subject's natural setting
• What did Jane Goodall do in her study of chimpanzees?

  She observed their social behaviors without intervening
• What is the setting for naturalistic observation?

  Natural environment
• How does naturalistic observation lead to authentic behavior?

  People are unaware of being watched
• In what setting might controlled observation occur?

  In a quiet lab setting
• What is a disadvantage of naturalistic observation related to control?

  Lack of control over variables
• What is a benefit of observing behavior in its natural environment?

  Researchers gain a deeper understanding
• What are the key differences between naturalistic and controlled observations?

  • Naturalistic:
  • Setting: Natural environment
  • Researcher interference: None
  • Behavior studied: Spontaneous
  • Controlled:
  • Setting: Controlled settings
  • Researcher interference: Active control
  • Behavior studied: Planned
• Why is there no intervention in naturalistic observation?

  Researchers do not manipulate or interfere with behavior
• Why is lack of control a disadvantage in naturalistic observation?

  It makes replication of the study difficult
• What type of behavior is studied in controlled observation?

  Planned behavior
• What are the key characteristics of naturalistic observation?

  • Involves a situation being contrived by the researcher
  • Usually conducted in a laboratory-type setting
• What is the main difference between the naturalistic and controlled observation techniques?

  Naturalistic observation involves a situation being contrived by the researcher, while controlled observation involves observing participants in their natural environment.
• Why is easier replication an advantage of controlled observation?

  Standardized procedures allow for repeated studies
• How does increased reactivity affect controlled observation results?

  Participants may change their behavior
• What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of using controlled observation in psychological research?

  Strengths:

  • Allows for observation of participants in their natural environment
  • Useful when it would be unethical to manipulate variables

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Limited control over variables
  • Potential for observer bias
• What insights can be gained from observing students in their usual classroom?

  • Valuable insights into learning behavior
  • Understanding of social interactions
  • Recognition of environmental influences on learning
• What ethical concerns arise from controlled observation?

  Manipulating variables can harm participants' well-being
• Why does controlled observation lack ecological validity?

  Because the environment is artificial
• What is a key advantage of controlled observation in research?

  High control over variables
• What do researchers do in controlled observation?

  They manipulate variables to study behavior
• What was manipulated in Milgram's obedience experiment?

  Authority figures to see participant responses
• What type of behavior is studied in naturalistic observation?

  Spontaneous behavior
• What is one advantage of naturalistic observation?

  High ecological validity
• What type of records are kept during naturalistic observation?

  Notes and recordings of observed behavior
• How does controlled observation differ from other observational methods in terms of variable management?

  It allows precise management of influencing factors
• How do researchers ensure subjects behave naturally in naturalistic observation?


  Subjects are unaware they are being observed